Two Men Granted Bail After Police Find Blue Lights on Private Car
What Happened?
On June 4, 2026, police stopped a car at a roadblock in Wierdabrug. The driver was the wife of Afzal Abramjee, a 40‑year‑old from Centurion. Officers noticed flashing blue lights on the vehicle. When asked, the woman said the car belonged to her husband.
Police Investigation
Abramjee was called to the scene. He and his wife were taken to the Wierdabrug police station for questioning. The car was impounded, and both were released while investigators looked into the matter.
Further checks led to the arrest of Abramjee and his co‑accused, Manuel Sarafim Pinto, a 49‑year‑old Mozambican national living in Robertsham, Johannesburg. Pinto was arrested on July 3, 2026, and Abramjee on July 4, 2026.
Charges
Both men face charges of unlawfully driving a motor vehicle that has lamps emitting blue light or displaying similar indicators. In South Africa, only emergency services are allowed to use such lights.
Court Appearance and Bail Decision
During the court hearing, the state did not oppose bail because the defendants were not considered a flight risk. However, prosecutors asked for strict conditions to protect the investigation.
The Pretoria Magistrates Court agreed to release both men on bail of R10,000 each, subject to the following rules:
- Report to the nearest police station once a week between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Hand over their passports to the investigating officer within 24 hours.
- Avoid any direct or indirect contact with witnesses in the case.
What’s Next?
The case has been postponed to August 5, 2026, so police can continue gathering evidence. Until then, Abramjee and Pinto must follow the bail conditions or risk having their bail revoked.
Why This Matters
Using blue lights on a private vehicle can confuse other drivers and emergency responders. The law reserves these lights for police, ambulances, and fire trucks to keep roads safe. This case shows how seriously authorities treat misuse of such signals.
Conclusion
The Pretoria Magistrates Court has allowed Abramjee and Pinto to go free on bail while the investigation proceeds. Strict reporting and contact restrictions aim to ensure the case moves forward without interference. The outcome will depend on what evidence police uncover in the coming weeks.
